Network Rail has warned strong winds and heavy rain may cause disruption to train routes in England, Wales and Scotland.

Some services may be cancelled or delayed and people are being advised to check for updates before they travel.

A Virgin Trains spokesman added that delays are “likely”.

Police in Cumbria have also urged people to be prepared.

A spokeswoman said: “The county’s roads have been affected by standing water which resulted in some roads being heavily affected or closed as well as some areas being flooded.

“The Met Office has advised that more heavy rain is due to hit Cumbria again on Monday and high winds on Tuesday, therefore police want to take this opportunity advise people to take care and be prepared.”

New predictions from the Met Office suggest parts of Britain could see snow this Christmas.

The official definition of a white Christmas only requires one snowflake to fall anywhere in the country.

And a light dusting of snow is expected on northern areas 200m above sea level, and southern areas above 400m.

Helen Roberts, a forecaster with the Met Office, said: “There won’t be widespread snow but it will be largely over hills and higher ground.”